Mafia III: Definitive Edition

Last updated: 2025-08-11

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Summary
  • Compelling story and characters
  • Enjoyable gameplay with improved graphics
  • Authentic 1960s atmosphere
  • Numerous technical issues and bugs
  • Repetitive and grindy gameplay
  • Lost traditional Mafia identity
Mafia III: Definitive Edition header

Categories

Single-player StoryOpen-World ExplorationThird-Person ShooterStealth GameplayTerritory ManagementDriving SimulationMoral Decision-MakingAction Sandbox

Emotions

Frustration27%Satisfaction26%Disappointment23%Excitement4%Anger3%
Reviews
(sample size)
2000
Helpful reviews
67%
Unhelpful reviews
33%
Protest reviews
1%
Positive points
4063
Negative points
4833
Gameplay points
857
Perf. points
239
Rec. points
827
Misc points
412
Point
Compelling Story & Characters
Description
The story, characters, and overall narrative presentation are consistently highlighted as the game's strongest assets. Players praise the compelling plot, well-developed characters, and immersive storytelling, often stating these elements compensate for any gameplay shortcomings.
Importance
48%
Enjoyable Gameplay & Improved Graphics
Description
Players generally find the game enjoyable, citing satisfying gunplay, improved graphics (especially in the Definitive Edition), and overall solid gameplay mechanics. Many were pleasantly surprised by the game's quality, especially given initial negative reviews.
Importance
48%
Series Evolution & Improvements
Description
The game is seen as a significant evolution for the Mafia series, offering more content, improved gameplay fluidity, and better graphics compared to its predecessors. Reviewers appreciate its unique approach while still connecting to the established lore, particularly through characters like Vito.
Importance
33%
Authentic 1960s Atmosphere
Description
The game excels in its atmospheric portrayal of 1960s New Bordeaux (New Orleans), authentically depicting the era's social issues, including racism and corruption. The detailed world-building and immersive environment contribute significantly to the player's experience.
Importance
33%
Excellent DLC Content & Value
Description
The included DLCs are highly praised for adding significant value, variety, and often superior storytelling compared to the main game. They are seen as essential for breaking up repetition and enhancing the overall experience, making the game a great value, especially on sale.
Importance
21%
Outstanding Period Soundtrack
Description
The game's soundtrack is almost universally lauded as exceptional, featuring a rich selection of licensed 1960s classic rock, soul, and blues tracks. It significantly enhances the atmosphere and is often cited as one of the game's best features.
Importance
15%
Varied Content & Replayability
Description
The game offers a good amount of content and variety in its missions and gameplay approaches, allowing for different playstyles (stealth or aggressive). This contributes to its replayability and overall engagement.
Importance
10%
Cinematic Main Missions & Cutscenes
Description
The main missions and their accompanying cutscenes are highly praised for their cinematic quality, strong direction, and engaging storytelling. These elements are crucial in driving the narrative and immersing players.
Importance
9%
Engaging Open-World Crime Experience
Description
The game successfully delivers an open-world crime experience, allowing players to feel like a rising mob boss. The mechanics of taking over rackets and managing underbosses are satisfying, providing a fresh take on the Mafia genre.
Importance
9%
Brutal & Satisfying Combat
Description
Combat is highlighted as brutal, satisfying, and fluid, with particular praise for melee kills and the responsive cover system. The gunplay is considered a significant improvement and contributes to the game's intense action.
Importance
7%